Flames Of Desires

Scarlet I NEVER IMAGINE MY WORLD WOULD COME TUMBLING DOWN AFTER MARRYING THE PERSON I LOVED. I questioned why I suffered while my twin lived a comfortable life. Even the one I thought would protect me turned against me the day after our wedding. That is when I realized he never cared about me, the one he cared about was my sister. As if things couldn’t get worse, my family disowned me the same day I discovered I was pregnant with twins. Two weeks ago. As if things couldn't get worse, the very next day, he left me for my sister. Adrian once again turned a blind eye and went to comfort my sister, leaving me stranded alone in the middle of the road on a cold, freezing night. I wrapped my arms around my flat stomach protecting my babies. Even though their father doesn’t love them, I did. But the cold was unbearable to continue walking. My legs and feet started to go numb, and my vision began to blur. In my blurry vision, I saw car lights from a mile away, but my body was frozen. Unable to walk further, I stumbled, protecting my stomach from falling. All I remembered was someone climbing out of their car, rushing toward me, then everything went dark. I woke up, and my eyes slowly adjusted to my surroundings. I looked around, noticing machines beeping nearby. I realized I was in the hospital. There was a man laying sleeping on the recliner couch in the corner. I tried to speak, but my throat felt stretched as if I hadn’t used it in a while. The man opened his eyes, noticed I was awake, and walked toward me. He said, "You are awake," and helped me up. He also helped me drink a little water from the glass. "Relax, I'll get a doctor right away." He stepped outside, while I looked around and absorbed everything around me. The room looked luxurious filled with warm paintings and my favorite time of flowers. Daisies. The paintings reminded me of my mother. Her smile and the warmth in her eyes. How much love she carried in those eyes, and I miss her every day. The stranger returned with the doctor, meeting my gaze calmly as the doctor greeted us. His eyes were nearly colorless, chilling yet beautiful. When he held my gaze, it felt like a dare I knew I would lose intentionally. A thought crossed my mind, unspoken but understood. My babies. My heart quickened and the stranger gently placed his hand on hand and his warmth calmed me down. "The twins are healthy and doing well. You did everything possible to protect them, and when I found you, you were clutching your stomach—I could tell you were pregnant." He raised his glass again while I took another sip through the straw. “W-who are you?” my voice came out hoarse as my throat was still sore. “Take it easy. Call me Nikolai. I am the man who saved you from that blizzard last night. You are lucky to have survived. May I ask why you were walking in such cold weather?” he asked, and I looked down at my hands. He added, "You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to," and I shook my head in response. “My family disowned me, and my husband abandoned me for my twin sister. I was the obstacle in their relationship.” I clenched my fist as Nikolai gently patted my hand trying to comfort me. He gently pulled me into a hug rubbing my back. “It’s okay, cry if you want to. Don’t hold it back. None of them deserve you or the twins.” He held me tight as I sobbed in his chest. I felt like I was safe in his arms. Like I belonged. “Scarlett, what if I offered you a real home—a place where both you and the twins could truly be happy? All I ask is for you to become my wife. I promise, no one will ever harm you under my watch. I’ll keep you safe from any danger. Maybe, in time, you’ll open your heart to me. But I don’t want you to feel rushed—stay with me until you’re ready to decide,” Nikolai said gently. A marriage with this handsome man. Why would he want to marry a pregnant stranger and even open up his house for me? Although I should lay low, and besides Adrian and I are over the moment he chose her over me and his children. I am sure this was his way of showing me he doesn’t care what happened to us. He doesn’t care about our relationship, he—. I looked up at the tv, I saw his face appeared on the news and beside him is none other than my sister, Hazel Sinclair. The treasured child. Breaking news, Adrian Reed, has announced his engagement with the stunning model Hazel Reed. Who would have thought he would be captured by her beauty. What an amazing couple. So, he was engaged to my sister while he married to me. Even though our marriage was contract marriage, I am sure now that his grandfather has passed, he has no obligation to please him for the title. My phone buzzed. [ADRIAN] I am sure you seen the news by now. That deoesn't our marriage is over yet. I will draft a new contract, and we will continue as be. Come by the office and sign it. 08:59am I took a deep breath and decided to reply. [ME] Fine, I will see you there. 09:01am I looked at Nikolai and for the first time in my life making this decision on my own without my father choosing what I must do. This time it was entirely my choice and for that, I am not moving back. “I will be your wife. Not because of money, but I want to start my life as my own.” He gently brushed the strands of hair off my face and smiled softly. “We will host an engagement party in a month’s time and get married before the twins are born. Well, discuss that when we get home. For now, you need proper rest and recovery.” Later, the doctor came to check up on me, and the babies. I was released this evening after proper observations by the doctors. We arrived at his villa. It looked like a castle as he was royalty, and we were in the fairytale. “This is my home.” He announced as he helped me out. “It’s beautiful.” "Do you live alone in this huge villa? Should I even call it a villa—it looks more like a castle," I asked. He chuckled softly before leaning down, lifted me off the ground, and carried me in his arms. “This is just a small villa, moonlight. There is more I own far bigger than this one. Besides, I heard a princess lives in this villa.” He carried me inside, and my cheeks turned red with embarrassment. A man so powerful, and handsome, any woman would take the opportunity to be with him, but I don’t want his wealth. I wanted freedom from my past. The next morning, I woke up feeling much better than I did. The fact that he massaged my feet and legs last night, that we were both caught in the heat of moment. The stupid hormones. I looked up and sighed heavily. Mother, I miss you. I am sorry, I couldn’t keep your promise. I’m sorry, you died protecting me from the accident. If you were here, would you have told me, it’s not my fault. That they were wrong for blaming me. What could you have said? A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. I got up, put on my robe, and headed toward the door. I slowly opened it, revealing a few maids standing outside. I raised my eyebrow in confusion, puzzled by their presence. “Madam, good morning. We are your maids, starting today. Mr. Blackwood instructed us to take good care of you and ensure you get all the nutrition for the babies and yourself. Let’s begin by running a bath for you. The other ladies will pick out outfits for you,” she said, opening the door wide. I stare into the mirror, not recognizing myself. It's been a long time since I wore such luxurious clothes. I may own companies, yet I was just playing the role of a normal housewife. My mother taught me never to trust a man who brings another woman around. If he loves you, he will choose you. “Madam, breakfast is ready, and the master arranged a car for you to go wherever you wish. Although he has an early meeting, he will not accompany you to your destination.” “Thank you, I will be fine on my own. Besides, I have to get him a gift for helping me when I was in need. Do you know his preferences, like what food he like, his favorites, what is he allergic to so in a future I know. Would you mind helping me?” I asked and she smiled softly. “It would be a privilege, madam. Actually, we have a list that should prove useful.” She gave me a playful wink, causing my cheeks to redden. After breakfast, I decided to go back. The maids wanted to help but I wanted to make them myself. I baked him a Japanese strawberry shortcake, I packed it nicely in a box wrapping it with a ribbon. The driver drove me to his office and when I stepped out, I looked up at the building. It was the largest building in Chicago. I climbed in the elevator heading straight to his office. He walked out the door as I climbed out of the elevator, and his eyes met mine. A soft smile creeped on his face as I walked towards him. He approached me and gently planted a kiss on my lips taking me by surprise. While his hand rested on my stomach. “Moonlight, what brings you in the office. You should be resting for your sake and the babies.” He looked at me worried. I blushed softly looking at my hands. “I thought I should bring you a cake to brighten your day and as a thanks. I baked it.” I told him and he took my hand leading me to the office. He opened his chair and made me sit down. “You shouldn’t be doing anything today, only focus on you recovery. Sit down, while I chat with the client, I will get the assistant do the serving.” He said pressing his lips on my forehead. He turned towards the two clients walking towards them. After they finished the meeting, the assistant served the cake around for them and for me. “Your wife is not only beautiful, but she also bakes an amazing cake. I never imagined tasting something that could bring back memories of my hometown. She truly is remarkable,” the client exclaimed. He approached me, and just as I was about to stand, he shook my hand. "Don’t get up; your husband told us you're pregnant with twins. I’ve never seen a man smile when talking about you. May I ask, how did you learn to make Japanese cake? It reminded me of my late wife before I moved here." “My mother was a mix of French and Japanese heritage, who taught me everything she knew about Japanese and French cultures. I learned everything from her.” I mentioned. He turned to Nikolai while looking at me proudly. My heart skipped a beat; I could tell from his eyes how he feels right now. The client declared, "Keep her; she is a treasure to be treasured. As for the deal, we can sign partnerships at this moment." Once the companies finalized their partnerships, the clients departed. Nikolai picked me up and placed me on the table, his eyes shining with joy as he leaned in closer to me. He gently tilted my chin upward and moved closer. His lips brushed my cheek as he whispered in my ear, "Did I tell you that you look beautiful in that dress? If the office weren’t so busy today, I would have undressed you right here and taken you, making you mine fully. I was thinking about how I was ready to devour you and have my hands all over your body, exploring." His hand trailed down my waist and leg as he slipped it under my dress, gently pushing my panties aside. “But I can do this…,” he whispered. His hand brushed against my v****a, causing a soft moan before he claimed my lips. He pulled away, gazing at me softly. "I don’t want you to feel pressured because we are engaged. Speaking of which, we should try on some rings to see which one you like. I’ve chosen a few for us; I just need my fiancée’s opinion," he said, leaning toward me and stealing another kiss. I was caught in the moment, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him back. His lips trailed down to my neck, placing kisses as he pulled me closer. His erection hardened, pressing against me. “I wanted this for so long,” he whispered, expressing his long-held desire. He murmured, "God, you’re beautiful," trailing kisses down my shoulder. A moan escaped my lips as he unbuckled his pants and lifted me. Then, he walked into another room, locked the door, and gently placed me on the bed. He removed my dress as he stared at my body. I reached for his shirt button, but he grabbed my hand. I could tell he was hiding something. He pulled away, sitting on the bed on his back, facing me. "I am sorry, we should get—." "Nikolai, if I am about to marry you, I want to know everything. I am willing to trust you with my secrets, and you must do the same. We shouldn't keep secrets from each other." I sit up and gently take his hand, squeezing it softly. “Is it a tattoo of an ex-lover or someone recent?” I asked, and he looked at me, raising his eyebrow in response. "None of that. I have never been in love with anyone before I saw you years ago, a woman who looked gorgeous even in regular clothes. I thought to myself I could fall for someone like that. But you went overseas, and I developed this cold attitude; no one had the courage to approach me until we met again, and you wore this sweetest smile. Like before, I fell deeper than I should. My world was cruel, filled with violence." He took his shirt off, revealing his scars to me. “They are disgusting to look at, I know, and I agree.” “Stop. Nothing is disgusting, especially not your scars. They all have meaning,” I responded, and he was in disbelief. I reached slowly to touch his scars. His eyes locked with mine as I trailed my fingers gently. “They are beautiful, every bit of them,” I said softly, and he touched my cheek, still gazing at me. He gently kissed my lips; this time, it was loving and tender.